by Becky Robbins

Created on: September 30, 2009   Last Updated: August 28, 2010

There is nothing better than the companionship of a pet. While a pet may offer protection to your household, it also adds love. Studies are now showing that people who own pets are healthier too. That furry critter that quickly becomes a family member may be beneficial to your health.

Stress Reliever

Everyone has some amount of stress in life. There are different ways to combat stress, but your pet may be an advocate to let the stress go. Those with a dog may find taking man's best friend for a walk as a great way to relieve stress.

The dog needs to get exercise anyway, so it is a good time for both of you to benefit from the great outdoors. Throwing the ball around with your pet is another option to relieve stress. Playing fetch with Fido gets both of you moving, and you can be easily distracted.

Cat owners may find their cat's purring is a soothing factor when trying to combat stress. So, if you have had a bad day, take a moment to relax with your cat in your lap. Gently stroke your cat until purring commences and meditate to the sound.

Protection against allergies, asthma and other health problems

Those who have pets may be less susceptible to having allergies and asthma. Some studies have shown that introducing younger children to pets reduces the risk of children developing allergies or asthma later.

Adnan Qureshi, a neurologist, completed a study that determined those who owned cats were forty percent less likely to die from a heart attack than those who did not own cats. There have been other studies that determined the same is true for other cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes.

Tropical fish can even be relaxing for Alzheimer's patients. The fish will hold the attention a person with Alzheimer's for up to thirty minutes. Not only do the fish hold an Alzheimer's patient's attention, but it also improves their appetite. Being exposed to a fish tank makes a patient eat almost twenty-one percent more food. Cats can also be soothing for patients who have Alzheimer's. In some cases, cats may be easier for caregivers with illnesses because they are more self-sufficient than dogs. Dogs require more time and attention when it comes to walking them.

Recovery from Strokes, Cancer, and Heart Attacks

Pet owners have a better recovery from serious illnesses. Dr. Erika Friedmann conducted two different studies and discovered people recovering from a heart attack were five to eight times more likely to live the year after leaving the hospital if they had a pet.

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